Motor doesn't react

J911 Dec 2, 2019

  1. J911

    J911 TrainBoard Member

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    Hey all,
    Working on a American Flyer loco with the old open frame. E unit works. Problem I have is the motor is not reacting at all to power. I even disconnected the tender, hooked up some leads to the motor and no reaction. Anything I can do other than a rip and replace? Thanks!

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  2. Doug Gosha

    Doug Gosha TrainBoard Member

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    Check the brushes/springs and make sure no wires have broken off the commutator. Also, check to see that the field coils are receiving current, otherwise, you will have no stationary magnet. Those are about the only things that can cause a dead motor.

    Doug
     
  3. J911

    J911 TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks. I was thinking of pulling it out and cleaning it down with some electrical cleaner. Hasn't been ran. Seems no current is making it to the motor. Would electrical parts cleaner be a good choice?

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  4. Doug Gosha

    Doug Gosha TrainBoard Member

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    If it is a degreaser, yes. Otherwise, mineral spirits followed by 91% rubbing alcohol or the alcohol alone if you see it is removing dirt and grease.

    Doug
     
  5. J911

    J911 TrainBoard Member

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    Took it apart, cleaned the plate, it reacts now. Just hums and smokes. Able to turn it with my finger but that's about it? Maybe just replace the whole motor.

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  6. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    Maybe. Or clean the windings to make sure it's not shorting across old carbon deposits, and clean the brushes and commutator, especially the little troughs.

    If you used a cleaner with oil, make sure it's completely wiped off.
     
  7. J911

    J911 TrainBoard Member

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    Tried that. Going to soak it in electrical cleaner. Might be like you said a short. Theres a few old deposits I've tried scrubbing out but it's on there good!

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  8. J911

    J911 TrainBoard Member

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    Ok! New motor! Still doing the same thing! AHAHAHA! Me thinks it's the E unit. Would I be good to remove the E unit and just run it off DC?

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  9. Doug Gosha

    Doug Gosha TrainBoard Member

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    Hmm, the direction control unit must be stuck on "neutral" which is why it just buzzes. Does the unit click every time you remove and reconnect current to the loco. The little drum in there rotates to reverse the direction by connecting the motor one way or the other to make it run forward or backward.

    Sorry if I am telling you things you already know. They can get stuck from dirt or wear, however.

    Doug
     
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  10. J911

    J911 TrainBoard Member

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    E unit appears to be functioning. I was dreading tearing it completely apart. I tried flipping the switch back and forth a bunch of times, it's just not engaging. Fingers are good. Plunger pushes up, barell looks like it's moving over. If I gotta tear it apart I will Ha! Just want it done in time for christmas.

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